Australia has seen a decrease in domestic consumption of lamb, with it falling from 62% to 60% in the first half of 2022. The Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment reports that affordability is a major factor, with the retail price of lamb increasing by 200% over the last 20 years compared to chicken's 25%. Despite this, demand for lamb exports has surged, with a 40% increase over the last two decades. The US, China, and Middle East are key markets, and in October, Australian lamb exports rose by 4% to 26,144 tonnes. The cheaper Australian dollar and saleyard lambs have supported this demand. MLA is working to boost domestic consumption of lamb.